Double valve arrangement for a trombone

ABSTRACT

A double valve arrangement for a trombone for controlling the flow of sound through the trombone includes first and second valves which rotate in opposite directions to control the flow path of the sound through the instrument. First and second linkage assemblies are provided for actuating the first and second valves, respectively. The first linkage assembly is adapted to be actuated by the thumb of the player&#39;&#39;s hand and includes a first pivot rod connected to the first valve for effecting actuation thereof and a first actuator means. The first actuator means is connected to the first pivot rod and is rotatable about a first axis of rotation to effect movement of the first pivot rod and actuation of the first valve. The second linkage assembly is adapted to be actuated by the first finger of the player&#39;&#39;s hand and includes a second pivot rod connected to the second valve for effecting actuation thereof and a second actuator means. The second actuator means is connected to the second pivot rod and is rotatable about a second axis of rotation, disposed substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation, to effect movement of the second pivot rod and actuation of the second valve.

United States Patent 11 1 McCracken [4 1 Sept. 9, 1975 DOUBLE VALVE ARRANGEMENT FOR A TROMBONE George T. McCracken, Mayfield Village, Ohio [75] Inventor:

22 Filed: Nov. 12, I973 2| Appl. No.: 4:4,718

[S2] U.S. Cl. 84/395 [5]] Int. Cl. s GOlD 7/10 [58] Field of Search 84/390, 395, 396

[56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS l,428.675 9/l922 Alschansky 84/395 1.823.838 9/l93l Milette 84/395 2,284.0!6 5/1942 Pickering A 84/390 1834268 9/l974 McCracken 84/453 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [,003389 9/l965 United Kingdom 84/396 Primary Examiner-Lawrence R4 Franklin Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Marvin L. Union 5 7 ABSTRACT A double valve arrangement for a trombone for controlling the flow of sound through the trombone includes first and'second valves which rotate in opposite directions to control the flow path of the sound through the instrument. First and second linkage as semblies are provided for actuating the first and second valves, respectively. The first linkage assembly is adapted to be actuated by the thumb of the players hand and includes a first pivot rod connected to the first valve for elTecting actuation thereof and a first actuator means. The first actuator means is connected to the first pivot rod and is rotatable about a first axis of rotation to effect movement of the first pivot rod and actuation of the first valve. The second linkage assembly is adapted to be actuated by the first finger of the players hand and includes a second pivot rod connected to the second valve for effecting actuation thereof and a second actuator means. The second ac tuator means is connected to the second pivot rod and is rotatable about a second axis of rotation, disposed substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation, to effect movement of the second pivot rod and actuation of the second valve.

15 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures DOUBLE VALVE ARRANGEMENT FOR A TROMBONE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a double valve ar rangement for a trombone and more specifically to the means for actuating the two valves of the double valve arrangement.

Double valve arrangements for trombones are known in the art and are exemplified by the British lat. No. b00338) to H. Kunitz. The Kunitz patent discloses a trombone which has two valves one of which is operated by a slide which is engaged by the thumb of the players hand and the other of which is operated by a lever which is engaged by the third or fourth finger of the player's hand. Generally. the known actuator mechanisms for the valves of a trombone necessitate the positioning of the instrument in an awkward posi tion so as to enable the hand of the player to effectively operate the actuator mechanisms associated with both valves. This not only hampers the ability of the player to perform with the instrument. but it also renders the player more susceptible to fatigue in the hand and arm of the player which is supporting the instrument due to the awkward position the player must assume when op erating the valves. The present invention attempts to overcome the disadvantages associated with the prior art double valve arrangements by providing a double valve arrangement which is easily actuated by the hand of the player which is supporting the instrument.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a double valve arrangement for a trombone for controlling the flow of sound through the trombone including first valve means. second valve means. a first linkage assembly adapted to be actuated by the thumb of the players hand for actuating the first valve means and a second linkage assembly adapted to be actuated by the first finger of the player's hand for actuating the second valve means.

The present invention further provides for a double valve arrangement for a trombone including first and second valve means for directing the passage of the sound through the trombone. A first linkage assembly is provided for actuating the first valve means and a second linkage assembly is provided for actuating the second valve means. The first linkage assembly in' cludes a first pivot rod and a first actuator means connected to the pivot rod and rotatable about a first axis of rotation to effect movement of the first pivot rod to actuate the first valve means. The second linkage as sembly includes a second pivot rod and a second actua tor means connected to the second pivot rod and rotat able about a second axis of rotation. disposed substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. to effect actuation of the second valve means.

The present invention further provides a double valve arrangement for a trombone as set forth in the next preceding paragraph wherein the first linkage as sembly is adapted to be actuated by the thumb of the players hand and the second linkage assembly is adapted to be actuated by the first linger ofthe player's hand.

Another provision of the present invention is to pro vide a double valve arrangement for a trombone having first and second valve means for controlling the flow of sound through the trombone and first and second linkage assemblies adapted to actuate the first and second valve means, respectively. A support means is provided to support substantially the entire weight of the trombone in the palm of the players hand. The support means includes surface portions cooperable with the second. third and fourth fingers of the players hand and the thumb of the players hand to control the angular orientation of the trombone relative to the player when the weight is supported substantially in the palm of the player's hand. The support means further includes a surface portion for positioning the thumb of the player adjacent the first linkage assembly to enable the first linkage assembly to be actuated by the thumb of the players hand. The support means also includes a surface portion for positioning the first finger of the players hand adjacent the second linkage assembly to enable the second linkage assembly to be actuated by the first finger of the players hand.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a side view of the trombone illustrating the double valve arrangement.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary enlarged view of the double valve arrangement and linkage assemblies.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the double valve arrangement and linkage assemblies taken approximately along the lines of 33 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side view of the double valve arrangement and linkage assemblies illustrating the valves and linkages in their actuated positions.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the trombone illustrating the double valve arrangement utilized in conjunction with a support means for positioning the thumb and first finger of the player relative to the linkage assemblies.

FIGS. 6a and 6b are schematic representations of the valve structures showing the valve in a non-actuated position in FIG. 6a and in an actuated position in FIG. 6b.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1, a trombone I0 which includes a bell assembly 14 and a slide assembly 16 is illustrated. The slide assembly 16 includes a movable slide member l8 and a stationary slide member 20. The movable slide member 18 is movable relative to the stationary slide member 20 in a well known manner. The movable slide 18 includes a hand slide brace 22 which is gripped by the hand of a player and moved relative to the stationary slide 20 to effect movement of the movable slide member 18. The movable slide member 18 also includes a water key 24 which is disposed on the end of the movable slide member 18 for allowing saliva to be drained from the slide assembly I6. The stationary slide member 20 includes a mouthpiece receiver 26, which is adapted to receive a mouthpiece 28 therein. A sta tionary slide brace 30 is disposed on the stationary slide member 20 to add rigidity to the stationary slide 20 and mouthpiece receiver 26.

The bell assembly 14 is attached to the slide assembly 16 by a suitable connector 32. The bell assembly 14includes a bell I) which is supported by a bell brace 34 and a tuning brace 36. A main tuning slide 38 interconnccts the bell l9 and the tubing 40 of the beli assembly Id. The tubing 40 of the bell assembly I4 is connected via a first valve 44 to the tubing 42 of the bell assembly I4. The tubing 42 is connected to the slide assembly 16 via the connector 32. The main tuning slide 38 is movable relative to the bell l9 and the tubing 40 to tune the instrument 10 in a well known manner. The moving of the main tuning slide 38 relative to the bell l9 and tubing 40 changes the effective length of the air passage through the instrument to thereby change the resonance of the sound waves directed through the trombone. Thus, movement of the main tuning slide 38 tunes the trombone by changing the effective length of the air passage through the trombone.

The first valve 44 is connected to an F attachment or F crook 46 whose outlet 48 is connected to an inlet of a second valve 50. The second valve 50 is connected to a E" attachment or E crook 52. A first linkage assembly 54 is provided for actuating the first valve 44 and a second linkage assembly 56 is provided for actuating the second valve 50.

When the player of the trombone l0 directs sound waves into the mouthpiece 28, the sound waves are directed through the upper portion (as viewed in FIG. 1) of the stationary slide 20, through the movable slide member 18, through the lower portion of the stationary slide and to the tubing 42 of the bell assembly 14. If the first valve 44 is in its unactuated condition, the sound waves will flow from the tubing 42, through the valve 44 to the tubing 40. The sound waves will then pass from the tubing 40, through the tuning slide 38, and through the bell member 19 where the sound waves are directed to the surrounding air. The movable slide member 18 may be moved relative to the stationary slide member 20 to change the resonance of the trombone to thereby enable the player of the trombone to produce different notes at the bell 19 in a well known manner.

Actuation of the first valve 44 will cause the sound waves passing through the tubing 42 to be directed through the valve 44 to the F crook 46. The F crook 46 will direct the sound waves through the outlet 48 thereof to an inlet of the second valve 50. If the second valve 50 is not actuated the sound waves will be directed through the outlet of the valve 50, through the tubing 58 which interconnects the valves 44 and 50 and through the first valve 44 to the tubing 40. If the second valve 50 is actuated the sound waves in the F crook 46 will be directed through the valve 50 to the E crook S2. The E crook 52 will then direct the sound waves back into the second valve 50 which will direct the sound waves through the tubing 58 to the valve 44. The valve 44 will then direct the sound waves through the tubing 40 to the bell 19. The actuation of the first and second valves 44 and 50, respectively, will enable the player of the trombone to direct the sound waves from the tubing 42 through the F crook 46 to the tubing 40 or through the F crook 46 and the E crook 52 to the tubing 40 to thereby extend the range of the trombone in a well known manner.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the construction and operation of the first and second valves 44 and S0 and the first and second linkage assemblies 54 and 56, respectively, for actuating the valves will be more fully described. The first valve 44 includes an inlet 60 connected to the tubing 42, an inlet 68 connected to the valve 50 and a pair of outlets 62 and 64. The valves 44, and 50 are string operated valves, the operation of which will be illustrated in conjunction with FIGS. 6a and 6b which schematically disclose the operation of the valve 44. The valve 44 includes a rotor 66 which is rotatable 90 to control the flow of air through the body of the valve. The rotor 66 assumes a first position as is illustrated in FIG. 6a, when the valve 44 is in its unactuated condition. When the rotor 66 is in its first position, the sound will be directed into the inlet 60 of the valve 44 and out of the outlet 64. When the valve 44 is actuated the rotor 66 will be rotated 90 to its second position, as is illustrated in FIG. 6b. The sound will flow into the inlet 60 of the valve 44 and out of the outlet 62. The outlet 62 is connected via the F crook 48 to the second valve 50 and via the tubing 58 to the inlet 68 of the valve 44. Thus, the flow of air from the outlet 62 will be returned to the inlet 68 of the valve 44 wherein it will be directed through the body of the valve to the outlet 64. The operation of the valve 50 is similar to the valve 44 and will not be explained herein in detail.

The valve 44, as is illustrated in FIG. 2, includes a pair of bumpers 70, 71 which limit the rotation of the rotor 66. An actuator bolt 72 is provided to effect rotation of the rotor 66 relative to the body of the valve 44. The actuator bolt 72 is operatively connected to the rotor 66 in a well known manner and is connected to the first linkage assembly 54 by the string 74. Actuation of the first linkage assembly 54, as will be more fully described hereinafter, will cause the string 74 to exert a force on the actuator bolt 72 to rotate the bolt 72 and the rotor 66 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 2 until the bolt 72 engages with the bumper 70, thereby rotating the rotor 66 90.

The second valve 50 includes inlets 48 and and outlets 76 and 78. A pair of bumpers 81, 82 are provided for limiting movement of the rotor of valve 50. Valve 50 further includes an actuator bolt 84 which is connected by the string 86 to the second linkage assembly 56. Actuation of the second linkage 56 will cause the rotor of the second valve 50 to rotate in a clockwise direction, as illustrated in FIG. 2, until the actuator bolt 84 engages with the bumper 82. This will effectively rotate the rotor of the valve 50 90.

The first linkage assembly 54 includes a first pivot rod 90 and a first actuator means 92. The actuator means 92 includes a bell crank 94 and a pad 96 which is adapted to be engaged by the thumb of the player's hand which supports the trombone 10. A support member 98 is affixed to the tubing 42 of the trombone l0 and supports a pivot pin which is fixed relative to the trombone 10. The pivot pin 100 supports the bell crank 94 for rotation about a first axis of rotation parallel to the pivot pin I00. The bell crank 94 is also pivotally connected by a pivot pin 97 to one end of the first pivot rod 90.

The pivot rod 90 of the linkage assembly 54 is connected to the valve 44 by a string 74. One end of the string 74 is secured to the pivot rod 90 by a bolt 102. The string 74 then passes through an opening 75 located in the pivot rod 90 and passes half way around the bolt 99 which supports the rotor. The string 74 is then looped around the actuator bolt 72 and continues around the bolt 99 where the end then passes through an opening I01 disposed in the pivot rod 90. The end of the string 74 is tied in a knot I03 to thereby secure the end of the string to the pivot rod 90. Movement of the pivot rod 90 and the string 74 will effect actuation of the valve 44.

When the first linkage 54 is actuated by the thumb of the players hand the bell crank 94 will rotate in a countercloekwise direction as illustrated in FIG. 3 about the pivot pin 100 from its position illustrated in FIG. 2 to its position illustrated in FIG. 4. Rotation of the bell crank 94 in a counterclockwise direction will cause the pivot rod 90 to move to the left as viewed in FIG. 2. Movement of the pivot rod 90 to the left causes the string 74 to effect rotation of the actuator bolt 72 to rotate the rotor in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 2 until the actuator bolt 72 engages the bumper 70.

A spring means 104 is provided to bias the first linkage assembly 54 and the valve 44 to their unactuated conditions. The spring means 104 is disposed about the pivot pin 100 and cooperates with the support member 98 to bias the bell crank 94 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 3. Thus, the spring means 104 returns the linkage assembly 54 and the valve 44 to their unactuated condition when an overriding pressure is not applied on the pad 96 by the thumb of the players hand. The biasing of the linkage assembly 54 by the spring means 104 insures that the valve 44 will remain in its unactuated condition when it is not biased to its actuated condition by the thumb of the players hand.

The second linkage assembly 56 includes a second pivot rod 1 and a second actuator member 112. The actuator member 112 includes a bell crank 114 having a pad 116 connected to one arm thereof for engaging with the first finger of the players hand to effect actuation of the second valve 50. The bell crank 114 is pivotally connected to the support member 98 by a pivot pin 118. The pivot pin 118 supports the bell crank 114 for rotation about an axis of rotation which is parallel to the pivot pin 118 and which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the bell crank 94 of the first linkage assembly. One arm of the bell crank 114 is connected by a rod 113 to one end of the pivot rod 110. To this end a pivotal connection 115 is provided to pivotally connect the rod 113 and the pivot rod 110. The opposite end of the pivot rod 110 includes a bolt 122 which secures the string 86 for movement with the pivot rod 1 10. One end of the string 86 is secured to the bolt 122 and passes through an opening 123 disposed in the pivot rod 110. The string 86 then passes half way around the bolt 125 which supports the rotor of the second valve 50. The string 86 is then looped around the actuator bolt 84 and then passes around the bolt 125 and is directed through an opening 127 where a knot 129 is tied to affix the string 86 to the pivot rod 110. Movement of the pivot rod 110 to the left will cause the string 86 to effect rotation of the rotor of valve 50.

Actuation of the second linkage assembly 56 is effected by engagement of the first finger of the players hand with the pad 116. The first finger then exerts a clockwise force, as viewed in FIG. 2, on the bell crank 114 to effect rotation of the bell crank 114 from its position shown in FIG. 2 to its position shown in FIG. 4. Rotation of the bell crank 4 effects movement of the pivot rod 110 to the right as viewed in H0. 2. Movement of the pivot rod 110 to the right will effect rotation of the rotor 66 of the valve 50 via the string 86 in a clockwise direction. The rotor of the valve 50 will rotate 90 until the actuator bolt 84 engages with the bumper 82 to limit movement of the rotor of the valve 50.

A spring means 124 is interposed between the sup port 98 and the second linkage assembly 56 to bias the bell crank 114 in a counterclockwise direction. as viewed in FIG. 2, about the pivot pin 118. Thus, the spring means 124 exerts a force on the second linkage 56 to return the linkage 56 and valve 50 to their unactuated condition when an overriding pressure is not applied on the pad 116 by the first finger of the player's hand. Biasing of the linkage assembly 56 by the spring means 124 insures that the valve 50 will remain in its unactuated condition when it is not biased to its actuated condition by the first finger of the players hand.

The first and second valves 44 and 50, respectively, are normally biased to their unactuated condition by the spring means 104 and 124, respectively. When the valves 44 and 50 are in their unactuated condition the sound will normally flow from the mouthpiece 28, through the slide 16 through the tubing 42 and into the inlet 60 of the first valve 44. Since the first valve 44 is in its unactuated condition, the sound will then flow directly from the inlet 60 through the outlet 64 of the first valve 44 to the tubing 40 and through the bell assembly 14. If the first valve is actuated by the thumb of the player's hand overriding the spring means 104 and actuating the first linkage assembly 54, the sound will be directed from the inlet 60 of the valve 44 through the valve 44 and to the outlet 62. The sound will then be directed through the F crook to the inlet 48 of the valve 50. If the valve 50 is in its unactuated condition, the sound will then be directed from the inlet 48 to the outlet 76 of the valve 50 and through the tubing 58 to the inlet 68 of the first valve 44. Since the first valve 44 is in its actuated condition the sound will be directed from the inlet 68 through the outlet64 of the first valve to the bell assembly 14. Thus, actuation of the first valve 44 by the first linkage assembly 54 will direct the sound through the first valve 44, through the F crook 46, through the valve 50, through the valve 44 to the bell assembly 14.

If the first and second valves are simultaneously actu ated by actuation of the first and second linkage assemblies 54 and 56, respectively, the sound will be directed through the first valve 44 and through the F crook 46 to the inlet 48 of the second valve 50. Since the second valve 50 is in its actuated condition the sound will be directed from the inlet 48 to the outlet 78 thereof and through the E crook 52. The E crook 52 will then direct the sound into the inlet 80 of the second valve 50. The sound directed to the inlet 80 will pass through the valve body of the valve 50 and be directed to the outlet 76 thereof which directs the sound back through the first valve 44 to the bell assembly 14. Thus, simultaneous actuation of the first valve 44 and second valve 50 will direct the sound from the mouthpiece 28, through the slide assembly 16, through the first valve 44, through the F crook 46, through the second valve 50, through the E crook 52, through the second valve 50 and back through the first valve 44 to the bell assembly 14.

It should be apparent that the dual valve arrangement provided enables the first valve 44 to be independently actuated of the second valve 50. [n this case the sound will flow through the F crook before the sound is directed to the bell assembly. However, the second valve 50 cannot be actuated independently of the first valve 44. This is due to the fact that when the first valve 44 is in its unactuated condition the sound will never be directed through the second valve as it is directed directly from the slide assembly 16 to the bell assembly 14 without passing through either the E or F crooks. However, simultaneous actuation of the valves 44 and 50 will direct the sound through both the E and F crooks prior to the sound being directed to the bell assembly 14.

If it is desired. a support member 130, such as illustrated in FIG. 5 can be utilized to support the instrument l and position the thumb and first finger of the players hand in a position adjacent the first and second linkage assemblies, respectively. The support member 130 is more fully described in the McCracken US. Pat. No. 3,834,268, filed Sept. 20, 1973, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The description of the support means 130 described in said application is hereby incorporated by reference as if the entire patent application was reproduced entirely herein. It is sufficient to say that the support means 130 includes a first surface portion 132, a second surface portion 134 and a third surface portion 136. The first surface portion 132 is operable to be engaged by the palm of the player's hand to support substantially the entire weight of the trombone in the palm of the players hand as is illustrated in FIG. with the wrist and forearm of the players arm assuming an in-line position. When the first surface portion 132 supports substantially the entire weight of the trombone, the second surface portion 134 cooperates with the second, third and fourth fingers of the players hand to control the angular orientation of the instrument relative to the player. The third surface portion 136 positions the thumb of the players hand so as to enable the thumb of the players hand to cooperate with the second, third and fourth fingers of the players hand to control the angular orientation of the instrument.

The third surface portion 136 also engages with the thumb of the player's hand to dispose the thumb of the players hand in a position substantially adjacent to the pad 96 of the first linkage assembly 54. This positions the thumb of the player's hand in an ideal position to effect actuation of the first valve 44 by the first linkage assembly 54. The support 130 further includes a projection 138 which includes a surface portion which positions the first finger of the players hand, as is illustrated in FIG. 5, in a position adjacent to the pad 116 of the second linkage assembly 56. The surface portion of the projection 138 positions the first finger of the player's hand to enable the first finger to engage with the pad 116 of the second linkage assembly 56 to provide for easy actuation of the second linkage assembly 56 and the second valve 50 by the first finger of the player's hand.

From the foregoing, it should be apparent that a new and improved double valve arrangement for a trombone has been provided. The double valve arrangement includes first and second valves which control the flow path of sound through the instrument and first and second linkage assemblies for actuating the first and sec ond valves, respectively. The first linkage assembly is adapted to be actuated by the thumb of the players hand and the second linkage assembly is adapted to be actuated by the first finger of the player's hand. Moreover, a support means has been optionally provided to support the instrument and position the thumb and first finger of the players hand in a position adjacent to the first and second linkage assemblies, respectively, to enable the thumb and first finger of the players hand to easily actuate the linkage assemblies. While the trom bone has been described as inc thng specific types of crooks for providing different pitches, it should be ap parent that the crooks could easily be interchanged to provide pitches other than those described herein.

I now claim:

1. A double valve arrangement for a trombone including a movable slide member and a stationary slide member having first and second parallel portions, the first of which is connectable to the bell portion of the trombone and the second of which is connectable with the mouthpiece of the trombone and both of which are adapted to guide the movable slide member, said double valve arrangement comprising first and second valve means each having first and second positions for controlling the flow of sound through the trombone, a first linkage assembly adapted to be actuated by the thumb of the player's hand for actuating said first valve means and a second linkage assembly adapted to be actuated by the first finger of the players hand for actuating said second valve means, said first linkage assembly including a first actuator member spaced apart from said first parallel portion of said stationary slide member and adapted to engage with the thumb of the players hand to rotate toward said first parallel portion of said stationary slide member in response to actuation thereof by the thumb of the players hand, said second linkage assembly including a second actuator member spaced apart from said first parallel portion of said stationary slide member and adapted to engage with the first finger of the players hand to rotate toward said first parallel portion of said stationary slide member in response to actuation thereof by the first finger of the players hand, said first and second actuator members being spaced apart from said first parallel portion of said stationary slide member a distance sufficient to allow said first and second actuator members to cooperate with the thumb and first finger of the player's hand, respectively, to control the angular orientation of the trombone relative to the player when the trombone is disposed in the playing position relative to the player.

2. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 1 further including support means connected to the trombone for engaging with the hand of the player for supporting substantially the entire weight of the trombone in the players hand, said support means including means for positioning the thumb of the players hand adjacent said first actuator member and means for positioning the first finger of the players hand adjacent said second actuator member.

3. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 1 further including a support member connected to said trombone for pivotally supporting said first and second actuator members, said first actuator member being pivotally supported by said support member for rotation about a first axis of rotation, said second actuator member being pivotably supported by said support member for rotation about a second axis of rotation which is disposed substantially perpcndicular to said first axis of rotation.

4. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 3 further including first spring means mounted on said support member for biasing said first linkage assembly to bias said first valve means toward said first position and second spring means mounted on said support member for biasing said second linkage assembly to bias said second valve means toward said first position 5. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 4 wherein said first valve means when in said first position provides a first flow path for the sound through the trombone. said first valve means when in said second position and said second valve means when in said first position provides a second flow path for sound through the trombone, and said first valve means when in said second position and said second valve means when in said second position provides a third flow path for sound through the trombone.

6. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 3 further including support means connected to the trombone for engaging with the hand of the player for supporting substantially the entire weight of the trombone in the players hand, said support means including means for positioning the thumb of the player's hand adjacent said first actuator member and means for positioning the first finger of the players hand adjacent said second actuator member.

7. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim I further including support means for supporting substantially the entire weight of the trombone when the trombone is in a playing position in the palm of the hand of the player with the wrist and forearm of the player having an in-line position when supporting the trombone in a playing position, said support means including means for positioning the thumb of the player's hand adjacent said first actuator member and means for positioning the first finger of the players hand adjacent the second actuator member.

8. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 7 wherein said support means includes a first surface portion for engaging with the palm of the players hand and supporting substantially the entire weight of the trombone. a second surface portion disposed substantially parallel to said first surface portion for engaging with the third and fourth fingers of the player's hand, said means for positioning the thumb of the players hand including a third surface portion disposed substantially perpendicular to said first and second surface portions and said means for positioning the first finger of the players hand including a fourth surface portion disposed substantially perpendicular to said first and second surface portions.

9. A double valve arrangement for a trombone including a movable slide member and a stationary slide member having first and second parallel portions the first of which is connectable to the bell portion of the trombone and the second of which is connectable with the mouthpiece of the trombone and both of which are adaptable to guide the movable slide member, said double valve arrangement comprising first valve means including a rotor having a first position and rotatable in a first direction to a second position, second valve means including a rotor having a first position and rotatable in a second direction, opposite said first direction, to a second position, a first linkage assembly adapted to be actuated by the thumb of the players hand for actuating said first valve means and a second linkage assembly adapted to be actuated by the first fin ger of the player's hand for actuating said second valve means, said first linkage assembly including a first pivot rod movable in a third direction for actuating said first valve means and a first actuator member spaced apart from said first stationary slide portion and adapted to engage with the thumb of the players hand to effect actuation of said first valve means, said first actuator member being connected to said first pivot rod and rotatable toward said first portion of said stationary slide member about a first axis of rotation to effect movement of said first pivot rod in said third direction, said second linkage assembly including a second pivot rod movable in a fourth direction, opposite said third direction, for actuating said second valve means and a second actuator member spaced apart from said first stationary slide portion and adapted to engage with the first finger of the players hand to effect actuation of said second valve means, said second actuator being connected to said second pivot rod and rotatable toward said first portion of said stationary slide member about a second axis of rotation, disposed substantially perpendicular to said first axis of rotation, to effect movement of said second pivot rod in said fourth direction, said first and second actuator members being spaced apart from said parallel portion of said stationary slide member a distance sufficient to allow said first and second actuator members to cooperate with the thumb and first finger of the player's hand, respectively, to control the angular orientation of the trombone relative to the player when the trombone is disposed in a playing position relative to the player.

10. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 9 further including support means connected to the trombone for engaging with the hand of the player for supporting substantially the entire weight of the trombone in the players hand, said support means including means for positioning the thumb of the player's hand adjacent said first actuator member and means for positioning the first finger of the player's hand adjacent said second actuator member.

11. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 9 further including a support member connected to said trombone for pivotally supporting said first and second actuator members, said first actuator member being pivotally supported by said support member for rotation about a first axis of rotation, said second actuator member being pivotably supported by said support member for rotation about a second axis of rotation which is disposed substantially perpendicular to said first axis of rotation.

12. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 11 further including first spring means mounted on said support member for biasing said first linkage assembly in a direction opposite said third direction to bias said first valve means toward said first position and second spring means mounted on said support member for biasing said second linkage assembly in a direction opposite said fourth direction to bias said second valve means toward said first position.

13. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 12 wherein said first valve means when in said first position provides a first flow path for the sound through the trombone, said first valve means when in said second position and said second valve means when in said first position provides a second flow path for sound through the trombone, and said first valve means when in said second position and said second valve means when in said second position pro vidcs a third flow path for sound through the trombone.

14. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim [3 further including support means for supporting substantially the entire weight of the trom bone when the trombone is in a playing position in the palm of the hand of the player with the wrist and foredisposed substantially parallel to said first surface portion for engaging with the third and fourth fingers of the players hand, said means for positioning the thumb of the players hand including a third surface portion disposed substantially perpendicular to said first and second surface portions and said means for positioning the first finger of the player's hand including a fourth surface portion disposed substantially perpendicular to said first and second surface portions. 

1. A double valve arrangement for a trombone including a movable slide member and a stationary slide member having first and second parallel portions, the first of which is connectable to the bell portion of the trombone and the second of which is connectable with the mouthpiece of the trombone and both of which are adapted to guide the movable slide member, said double valve arrangement comprising first and second valve means each having first and second positions for controlling the flow of sound through the trombone, a first linkage assembly adapted to be actuated by the thumb of the player''s hand for actuating said first valve means and a second linkage assembly adapted to be actuated by the first finger of the player''s hand for actuating said second valve means, said first linkage assembly including a first actuator member spaced apart from said first parallel portion of said stationary slide member and adapted to engage with the thumb of the player''s hand to rotate toward said first parallel portion of said stationary slide member in response to actuation thereof by the thumb of the player''s hand, said second linkage assembly including a second actuator member spaced apart from said first parallel portion of said stationary slide member and adapted to engage with the first finger of the player''s hand to rotate toward said first parallel portion of said stationary slide member in response to actuation thereof bY the first finger of the player''s hand, said first and second actuator members being spaced apart from said first parallel portion of said stationary slide member a distance sufficient to allow said first and second actuator members to cooperate with the thumb and first finger of the player''s hand, respectively, to control the angular orientation of the trombone relative to the player when the trombone is disposed in the playing position relative to the player.
 2. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 1 further including support means connected to the trombone for engaging with the hand of the player for supporting substantially the entire weight of the trombone in the player''s hand, said support means including means for positioning the thumb of the player''s hand adjacent said first actuator member and means for positioning the first finger of the player''s hand adjacent said second actuator member.
 3. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 1 further including a support member connected to said trombone for pivotally supporting said first and second actuator members, said first actuator member being pivotally supported by said support member for rotation about a first axis of rotation, said second actuator member being pivotably supported by said support member for rotation about a second axis of rotation which is disposed substantially perpendicular to said first axis of rotation.
 4. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 3 further including first spring means mounted on said support member for biasing said first linkage assembly to bias said first valve means toward said first position and second spring means mounted on said support member for biasing said second linkage assembly to bias said second valve means toward said first position.
 5. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 4 wherein said first valve means when in said first position provides a first flow path for the sound through the trombone, said first valve means when in said second position and said second valve means when in said first position provides a second flow path for sound through the trombone, and said first valve means when in said second position and said second valve means when in said second position provides a third flow path for sound through the trombone.
 6. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 3 further including support means connected to the trombone for engaging with the hand of the player for supporting substantially the entire weight of the trombone in the player''s hand, said support means including means for positioning the thumb of the player''s hand adjacent said first actuator member and means for positioning the first finger of the player''s hand adjacent said second actuator member.
 7. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 1 further including support means for supporting substantially the entire weight of the trombone when the trombone is in a playing position in the palm of the hand of the player with the wrist and forearm of the player having an in-line position when supporting the trombone in a playing position, said support means including means for positioning the thumb of the player''s hand adjacent said first actuator member and means for positioning the first finger of the player''s hand adjacent the second actuator member.
 8. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 7 wherein said support means includes a first surface portion for engaging with the palm of the player''s hand and supporting substantially the entire weight of the trombone, a second surface portion disposed substantially parallel to said first surface portion for engaging with the third and fourth fingers of the player''s hand, said means for positioning the thumb of the player''s hand including a third surface portion disposed substantially perpendicular to said first and second surface portions and sAid means for positioning the first finger of the player''s hand including a fourth surface portion disposed substantially perpendicular to said first and second surface portions.
 9. A double valve arrangement for a trombone including a movable slide member and a stationary slide member having first and second parallel portions the first of which is connectable to the bell portion of the trombone and the second of which is connectable with the mouthpiece of the trombone and both of which are adaptable to guide the movable slide member, said double valve arrangement comprising first valve means including a rotor having a first position and rotatable in a first direction to a second position, second valve means including a rotor having a first position and rotatable in a second direction, opposite said first direction, to a second position, a first linkage assembly adapted to be actuated by the thumb of the player''s hand for actuating said first valve means and a second linkage assembly adapted to be actuated by the first finger of the player''s hand for actuating said second valve means, said first linkage assembly including a first pivot rod movable in a third direction for actuating said first valve means and a first actuator member spaced apart from said first stationary slide portion and adapted to engage with the thumb of the player''s hand to effect actuation of said first valve means, said first actuator member being connected to said first pivot rod and rotatable toward said first portion of said stationary slide member about a first axis of rotation to effect movement of said first pivot rod in said third direction, said second linkage assembly including a second pivot rod movable in a fourth direction, opposite said third direction, for actuating said second valve means and a second actuator member spaced apart from said first stationary slide portion and adapted to engage with the first finger of the player''s hand to effect actuation of said second valve means, said second actuator being connected to said second pivot rod and rotatable toward said first portion of said stationary slide member about a second axis of rotation, disposed substantially perpendicular to said first axis of rotation, to effect movement of said second pivot rod in said fourth direction, said first and second actuator members being spaced apart from said parallel portion of said stationary slide member a distance sufficient to allow said first and second actuator members to cooperate with the thumb and first finger of the player''s hand, respectively, to control the angular orientation of the trombone relative to the player when the trombone is disposed in a playing position relative to the player.
 10. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 9 further including support means connected to the trombone for engaging with the hand of the player for supporting substantially the entire weight of the trombone in the player''s hand, said support means including means for positioning the thumb of the player''s hand adjacent said first actuator member and means for positioning the first finger of the player''s hand adjacent said second actuator member.
 11. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 9 further including a support member connected to said trombone for pivotally supporting said first and second actuator members, said first actuator member being pivotally supported by said support member for rotation about a first axis of rotation, said second actuator member being pivotably supported by said support member for rotation about a second axis of rotation which is disposed substantially perpendicular to said first axis of rotation.
 12. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 11 further including first spring means mounted on said support member for biasing said first linkage assembly in a direction opposite said third direction to bias said first valve means toward said first position and second spring means mounted on said support member for biasing said second linkage assembly in a direction opposite said fourth direction to bias said second valve means toward said first position.
 13. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 12 wherein said first valve means when in said first position provides a first flow path for the sound through the trombone, said first valve means when in said second position and said second valve means when in said first position provides a second flow path for sound through the trombone, and said first valve means when in said second position and said second valve means when in said second position provides a third flow path for sound through the trombone.
 14. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 13 further including support means for supporting substantially the entire weight of the trombone when the trombone is in a playing position in the palm of the hand of the player with the wrist and forearm of the player having an in-line position when supporting the trombone in a playing position, said support means including means for positioning the thumb of the player''s hand adjacent said first actuator member and means for positioning the first finger of the player''s hand adjacent the second actuator member.
 15. A double valve arrangement for a trombone as defined in claim 13 wherein said support means includes a first surface portion for engaging with the palm of the player''s hand and supporting substantially the entire weight of the trombone, a second surface portion disposed substantially parallel to said first surface portion for engaging with the third and fourth fingers of the player''s hand, said means for positioning the thumb of the player''s hand including a third surface portion disposed substantially perpendicular to said first and second surface portions and said means for positioning the first finger of the player''s hand including a fourth surface portion disposed substantially perpendicular to said first and second surface portions. 